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NEWS RELEASE
February 13, 2007
Contacts:
Donna Kemp Spangler, (801) 536-4484
Public Information Officer
WHO: Rick Sprott, director of the Division of Air Quality
WHAT: Unveiling of a new Web page that forecasts air quality conditions
WHERE: Air monitor station at Hawthorne Elementary School, 1675 South 600 East
WHEN: 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Choosing Clean Air is now just a click away. Starting today, the Utah Division of Air Quality’s Web page will begin forecasting air quality conditions intended to help the public decide when it is healthier to stay indoors and ride mass transit. The change responds to tougher air quality standards and the recent high pollution episodes in Utah. On Dec. 18, 2006, the daily average standard for small particulate pollutant known as PM2.5 was nearly cut in half from 65 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) to 35 ug/m3.
“Since research has shown there is a significant health impact with this pollutant there is a greater need to advise the public more quickly and simply. We also want to provide forecasts that enable people to plan ahead and make better choices for pollution prevention and self protection,” said Rick Sprott, director of the Division of Air Quality.
Sprott will unveil the new Web page at a press conference held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the air monitor station located on the north end of Hawthorne Elementary School, 1675 South 600 East.
The Web site http://www.airquality.utah.gov/ has been reformatted to show the air quality conditions, using the same “red, yellow and green” color-coded information that emphasizes the air pollution warnings. A yellow means it is an “ACTION” air quality day, asking people to reduce pollution by minimizing driving. A red “ALERT” notifies the public on days when pollution is high and especially harmful for sensitive people. The new system will be used year round and emphasizes vehicle pollution over wood smoke since over half of the emissions are from cars and trucks.
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